October 19, 2020
Christina Jimenez
cjimenez@cccco.edu
T 916.322.4004
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —The California Community Colleges is sponsoring the fourth annual Undocumented Student Action Week, October 19-23, 2020, encouraging its 116 campuses to engage in a range of activities supporting undocumented students. The system, which is the largest higher education system in the nation, is also urging elected officials to take action on federal and state immigration issues.
The California Community Colleges serve and estimated 70,000 undocumented students– the largest undocumented student population in the state, including combined totals from University of California and California State University.
“The California Community Colleges remains strongly committed to providing a welcoming and accessible place for all students, regardless of immigration status,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley. During this week of action for undocumented students and going forward, we recognize that our undocumented students are among our brightest and hardest workers, many of whom are serving on the front lines of the current pandemic. Undoubtedly, they hold a critical role in the recovery of our economy and we will continue to support them through their higher education journey.”
The advocacy week is hosted by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Community College League of California, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Immigrants Rising and the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.
“The Foundation for California Community Colleges stands in solidarity with our undocumented students and is proud to support Undocumented Student Action Week. Given the rhetoric at the national level surrounding immigration, we know now more than ever how critical it is that our campuses remain accessible and open to all students equally, regardless of their immigration status,” said Keetha Mills, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for California Community Colleges. “Together, we must continue to uphold California’s values and offer clear pathways and resources for undocumented students to attain their educational goals, so they feel supported and able to build the brighter future that they have dreamed of for themselves and their families.”
“Undocumented students are brave individuals that carry the hopes and dreams of those who came before them,” said Larry Galizio, President and CEO of the Community College League of California. “The Community College League of California believes education plays a pivotal role in turning those dreams into a reality. This week is not only an opportunity to support and advocate for undocumented students at California Community Colleges, but to sustain their hopes and dreams. ”
Video of Chancellor Oakley available in English and Spanish.
To access the full schedule and resources curated by the Undocumented Student Action Week partners, please visit www.ccleague.org/supporting-undocumented-students or contact ActionWeek@foundationccc.org.
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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